Questions regarding issues such as community policing, drug-related intimidation, drug prevention and additional Garda resources were raised at a public meeting of Wicklow County Council Joint Policing Committee in the Kilcoole Community Centre on Wednesday, November 22nd 2023.
The purpose of the JPC is to provide a forum where the Local Authority, Senior Garda Officers, Public Representatives and Community Representatives can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of their area.
Cllr Gerry Walsh, Chair of Wicklow County Council Joint Policing Committee, welcomed and thanked all present for taking the time to attend the meeting and for their engagement during a lengthy questions and answers session.
Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes, Detective Inspector Seamus Ryan and Superintendent Pat Connell gave a detailed presentation and welcomed questions from the floor.
Chief Superintendent Hughes noted the importance of community engagement and encouraged the public to contact the Gardaí in relation to local issues, he also drew attention to the remarkable reduction in burglary figures across the County.
During the question-and-answer session issues raised related to drug searches, drug dealing in local communities, road safety controls, road fatalities, road safety initiatives, proposed bus lanes on the N11/ M11 and improvement works at Greystones Garda Station.
Chief Superintendent Hughes, Detective Inspector Seamus Ryan, Superintendent Pat Connell, and Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Emer O’Gorman, provided comprehensive responses to all questions raised.
Attendees paid tribute to the Community Gardaí in the area, particular reference was made to the recent Santa Parade which was a great success involving young and old throughout Greystones and the surrounding areas.
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, of Wicklow County Council, explained that the Gardaí and the Council are working together on a strategic road safety forum to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries in support of Vision Zero.
Photo caption: L/R – Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes, Cllr Gerry Walsh, Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council; Helen Purcell, Wicklow County Council and Superintendent Pat Connell.